Jennings Exit Impacts Mayoral Race

This week, Albany was rocked by the news that longtime Mayor Jerry Jennings has opted not to seek a sixth term. But even before his official announcement Wednesday, the rest of the city’s political machine was already in motion.

It's a game changer for the mayoral hopefuls - and it will be difficult for even the most qualified among them to fill Mayor Jennings' shoes - the man himself knows this: he as much as said so during a meeting with the press the day after emailing his resignation letter.

News of the resignation sent shock waves through the city. It astounded Independent Democratic candidate Marlon Anderson and Conservative hopeful Joe Sullivan.

July 2011 : Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings helps make history as he signs documents for a same-sex couple during midnight hour marriages at City Hall.

Democrat Corey Ellis, who captured 44 percent of the vote in the last mayoral primary in 2009, shares Jerry Jennings’ passion for education and believes in the mayor's role as "champion" of city youth.

Barbara Smith of the Albany Common Council told WAMC’s Alan Chartock that education is a critical component of city government. Smith added that the clock is running for the declared candidates, and although it has been suggested another candidate may enter the ring, it may be too late for anyone else to organize and launch a successful challenge.

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This November, residents of the City of Albany will go the polls to elect a Mayor. Capital region Bureau Chief Dave Lucas recently sat down with Albany's Treasurer and Chief Fiscal Officer Kathy Sheehan, the first person to launch an official campaign challenging incumbent Mayor Jerry Jennings.

This November, residents of the City of Albany will go the polls to elect a new mayor. The Democratic Party has dominated the Albany political scene for decades. There is one hat "officially" in the ring as a few potential candidates calculate their chances of making a run for office.

The future of New York's capital city has, for decades, been entrusted to the mayor - and for the most part, those who served were long-tenured: Erastus Corning 42 years, Tom Whalen for 10, and incumbent Jerry Jennings, who has been in office since 1994.

Albany, NY – Last month, New York became the sixth and largest state to sanction same-sex unions - the weddings officially began over the weekend ... Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas was at Albany City Hall as legal gay marriage was officially ushered in.